The winner of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2011 will be announced by Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs Dinny McGinley at an event in the Glenlo Abbey Hotel at 7pm today (Thursday ). Six shortlisted businesses and organisations, representing a variety of sectors in Galway, are vying for the prize.
Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, which recognises companies and organisations for their commitment to the Irish language, is awarded in two categories. In the category for organisations with up to 20 employees the finalists are EmployAbility Services Galway, Food 4 Thought, and the Galway Dive School. In the category for those with 20 or more employees the finalists are Joyce’s Supermarket, Menlo Park Hotel, and Monroe’s Tavern.
On the judging panel this year were Carmel Brennan, president of Galway Chamber; Jimmy Griffin, Griffin’s Bakery/Bácús Uí Ghríofa, last year’s winner of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh; Sinéad Ní Neachtain, NUI Galway; and Pádraic Ó Ráighne, TG4.
“We selected the six for the gearrliosta because the strand of Gaeilge throughout their business was very clear to us and it was also incorporated into a whole range of areas within their business,” Sinéad Ní Neachtain said. “All of the judges were very impressed with the strength and commitment of these businesses to the language and how they used the language in innovative ways and as a natural part of their brand.
The overall winner will receive the much sought-after sculpture by renowned artist Pádraig Reaney, depicting the 14 tribes of Galway resting over the River Corrib, with one extra tribe outstanding, who symbolises the winner of Gradam Sheosamh Uí Ógartaigh, and future winners to come. The winner will also receive a combined business package from the Galway Advertiser, Galway Bay FM, Snap Galway, Galway Airport, and Galway Chamber valued at €15,000, as well as Séala Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh, a quality mark for the Irish language in Galway city. The ‘séala’ was developed in association with Galway County and City Enterprise Board.
An Seomra Yoga, The Small Crane, Sea Road, will also be presented with Gradam Speisialta na Moltóirí tonight.
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